The Complete Tropical Vacation Packing List for Women

As I’m writing this, it’s winter in my corner of the world. And I don't like the cold so at the first sign of a falling leaf, my mind switches into tropical gear. And being a list lover, I've created a... tropical vacation packing list.

Whether you're headed for Nairobi or Jamaica or Borneo, or any other tropical destination, this holiday packing list has what you need. Do what I do: print it out, cross out what you don't need, treat yourself to a few things you might not have and pack the rest!

If you're headed for the hot hot cities, perfect. But if you're going a bit out of the way, say for a rainforest trek or an adventure to a remote tropical corner of the globe, I've also got you covered in my "off the beaten path" section at the end, which covers survival and hiking gear that will help keep you comfortable and safe. (If you're a carry-on woman only, here's my list of top carry-on luggage for any trip.)

International driver's licence (usually needed if you're headed beyond Europe or North America) along with your normal driver's licence (you may need both to rent a car overseas)

Physical paper list of emergency phone numbers: embassies, family and friends and the hotel (even if they're on your phone contact list, you can run out of power or lose your phone)

Copies of everything: keep copies of your passport, license, hotel confirmations and everything else on a USB, in your email inbox or as hard copies (to be stored separately from the originals, of course!)

Wristwatch with alarm function (unless you use your Smartphone for this)

Technical gear for the tropics

Always bring a flashlight: a small one like this is all you need － keep it in your shoe at night to find it right away in an emergency. If you think you'll have to go outside at night, throw in a headlamp (great for a hands-free option). Carry it around at all times - you don't want to be stuck in a giant mall when the lights go out.

Adapter for plugs: this one is nearly universal (but read the fine print!) and doesn’t require you to bring multiple country inserts

A small penknife or Swiss Army knife: but only if you’re checking a bag (check airline rules frequently since safety measures are always changing).

Phone card or an unlocked cellphone (like this one) if you're using local SIM cards

A camera if you’re not taking a cell phone, or if yours doesn’t have enough memory space. Also remember batteries, a charger and spare memory cards! (When I don't use my iPhone, I use a Lumix, which I've been very happy with).

Again, if you have no phone you might want to take music on an iPod or MP3 player: but try to avoid wearing earbuds when you're out and about! Not only does it shut you off from meeting new people, it can put you in danger because you can’t hear what’s going on around you.

Still at the planning stage?

A few additional thoughts for your travel packing checklist

Don’t overpack! I 100% believe that travelling in nothing but a carry on is your best bet. If you’re staying within the walls of civilization, you’ll be able to purchase many things if you forget them or really need them.

Staying in a hotel? Toiletries are usually provided, so save space, money and time by just using what they give you.

Take light, quick-drying clothing. This is not the time for jeans － the humidity will make it hard to dry anything off, so the lighter the fabric the better.

Make sure you have waterproof bags or ziplocks on hand to keep your valuables from getting wet in an unexpected rain storm － especially if you’re just wearing light clothing and can’t hide your phone in a deep coat pocket.

Don’t pack anything valuable that you can't afford to lose. Even if you have evening events, try to do without the bling: even if it's fake, thieves won't necessarily know that.

Make your outfits mix and match. You should be able to pull out any top and any bottoms from your bag and have an ensemble.

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